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Mardasson Memorial

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Mardasson Memorial (Belgium)

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The Mardasson Memorial, imposingly situated on a hill near the town of Bastogne, is one of the most significant World War II monuments in Europe. It was erected to express enduring gratitude and to honor the more than 76,000 American soldiers who were killed, wounded, or went missing during the brutal Battle of the Bulge in the freezing winter of 1944-1945. Inaugurated in 1950 and designed by Belgian architect Georges Dedoyard, the monumental structure takes the unique shape of a five-pointed star, the emblem of the US Army. The exterior of the massive stone edifice features the names of the 48 US states of that era, applied in large bronze letters. Along the interior walls of the star-shaped galleries, the detailed narrative of the month-long winter battle is carved into the stone, alongside the insignias of the participating American battalions. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase to the roof of the memorial, which has sweeping panoramic views over the peaceful Ardennes landscape where fierce fighting once raged.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181713951
Rain mm847369527676768560727993

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mardasson Memorial is an outdoor monument that can be visited for free at any time. It is surrounded by a small park, inviting visitors to linger.
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Typical hours
As an open-air monument, there are no fixed hours - it is accessible 24/7. The adjacent Bastogne War Museum has typical museum hours, usually from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site without restrictions. For atmospheric shots, the golden hour in late afternoon is handy.
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Time needed
Visiting the monument itself takes about 20-30 minutes. If you also want to visit the Bastogne War Museum, allow an extra 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Combine with
The monument is located right next to the Bastogne War Museum, which comprehensively covers the Battle of the Bulge. Also consider exploring the town of Bastogne with its other memorials and historic center.
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Getting there
The Mardasson Memorial is about 2 km outside central Bastogne, reachable via the N4 and well signposted. By car, free parking is available at the monument; on foot or by bike it is a good half-hour walk from the center.
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Insider tip
Combine the monument visit with the nearby German military cemetery at Recogne for a complementary perspective. The best time is late morning when the light highlights the inscriptions on the star.

Geography

Coordinates
50.00940, 5.73810

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Plateau of BastognePlateau of Bastogne1 km · SWExplore →
Trëtterbaach ValleyTrëtterbaach Valley12 km · EExplore →
Deux Ourthes Natural ParkDeux Ourthes Natural Park14 km · NExplore →
Trëtterbaach StreamTrëtterbaach Stream14 km · NEExplore →
Wiltz Business ParkWiltz Business Park14 km · EExplore →
Upper Sûre ValleyUpper Sûre Valley17 km · SEExplore →
Lentzweiler Industrial ZoneLentzweiler Industrial Zone17 km · EExplore →
Ardennes HighlandsArdennes Highlands17 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mardasson Memorial (10)

Battle of the Bulge Monument

Architectural structure, monument commemorating the Battle of the Bulge.

Musée en Piconrue🏛 museum

Museum of regional history and folklore in Bastogne.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00💶

La croix du séminaire

Cross on the grounds of the seminary in Bastogne.

Le Zoo

Open-air display of animals made from scrap metal, accessible 24/7.

Porte de Trèves

Former city gate in Bastogne, Belgium.

Église Saint-Pierre

Church in Bastogne, Belgium.

Tank Exhibition🏛 museum

Exhibition of tanks in Bastogne.

Centre culturel Bastogne

Cultural centre in Bastogne with events and exhibitions.

ancien lavoir

Former public washhouse in Bastogne, now a monument.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Mardasson Memorial commemorate?
It commemorates the American soldiers who died during the Battle of the Bulge.
What shape is the memorial?
It has the shape of a large, five-pointed star.
Can you climb on the memorial?
Yes, you can take the stairs to the upper gallery to enjoy the view.
Is entry free?
Yes, visiting the memorial is free of charge.
Is there a museum nearby?
Yes, the Bastogne War Museum is located right next to it.
Mardasson Memorial: where is it located?
Mardasson Memorial is located in Belgium.
Mardasson Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include Battle of the Bulge Monument, Bastogne War Museum, Musée en Piconrue.
Mardasson Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mardasson Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Mardasson Memorial, imposingly situated on a hill near the town of Bastogne, is one of the most significant World War II monuments in Europe.
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